Introduction to Istikhara
Every Muslim faces moments in life where decisions feel overwhelming — marriage, work, moving to a new place, business, education, or any major life step. In such moments, Islam gives us a beautiful gift: Salat-ul-Istikhara, the prayer for seeking Allah’s guidance.
The word Istikhara simply means:
“Asking Allah to choose what is best for you.”
It is not fortune-telling, not dream-chasing, and not a mystical ritual. It is a sincere way of asking Allah to guide your heart toward the best decision.
Below, you’ll find the authentic Istikhara dua and the complete hadith, followed by a clear step-by-step guide to performing Istikhara correctly.
The Istikhara Dua (Arabic + English Translation)
Arabic Text
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ
فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ
اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ (mention your specific matter)
خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي، ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ
وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي — فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي —
فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ، ثُمَّ رَضِّنِي بِهِ
English Translation of Dua e Istikhara
“O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge and seek ability through Your power. I ask You from Your great bounty.
For You are able while I am not, and You know while I do not, and You are the Knower of the unseen.
O Allah, if You know that this matter (mention your matter) is good for me in my religion, my worldly life, and my future, then decree it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me.
But if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, worldly life, and future, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and decree for me what is good wherever it may be, and make me pleased with it.”
Transliteration of Dua e Istikhara
Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi‘ilmika, wa astaqdiruka biqudratika, wa as’aluka min fadlika al-‘azim.
Fa’innaka taqdiru wa la aqdir, wa ta‘lamu wa la a‘lam, wa Anta ‘Allamul-ghuyub.
Allahumma in kunta ta‘lamu anna haza al-amra (mention your matter)
khayrun li fi deeni wa ma‘ashi wa ‘aqibati amri
fa’qdurhu li wa yassirhu li, thumma barik li fihi.
Wa in kunta ta‘lamu anna haza al-amra
sharrun li fi deeni wa ma‘ashi wa ‘aqibati amri,
fasrifhu ‘anni wasrifni ‘anhu,
waqdur li al-khayra haythu kan, thumma raddini bihi.**
Why This Dua Matters
- It acknowledges Allah’s complete knowledge
- It asks for the best outcome, not just what we desire
- It teaches surrender, peace, and trust
Authentic Hadith on Istikhara (With Reference)
Istikhara is not cultural or optional — it is an authentic Sunnah taught by the Prophet ﷺ.
Full Hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah (رضي الله عنه):
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to teach us the way of doing Istikhara in all matters, just as he taught us a Surah from the Quran…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1162)
This hadith shows how important Istikhara is — the Prophet ﷺ taught it with the same care as a chapter of the Qur’an.
Explanation
- Sahabah were taught to perform Istikhara for everything, big or small.
- It is not only for marriage; it’s for all important decisions.
- It is a practical way to live with trust (tawakkul) in Allah.
What Is Istikhara? (Meaning + Spiritual Purpose)
Linguistic Meaning:
“Istikhara” comes from khayr, meaning goodness.
Islamic Meaning:
To ask Allah to guide you toward the best possible choice.
Purpose of Istikhara:
- Brings clarity
- Removes confusion
- Helps the heart rely on Allah
- Brings barakah (blessings)
- Protects from bad decisions
When Should You Pray Istikhara?
You can pray Istikhara for any important decision, including:
✔ Marriage decisions
✔ Career and job opportunities
✔ Business investments
✔ Moving to another country
✔ Choosing a school or university
✔ Personal or family matters
If you’re a student looking for Allah’s guidance, you may also like reading this helpful guide on the
best dua for studying:
How to Perform Istikhara Step-by-Step
Step 1 — Make Wudu
Be in a state of purity.
Step 2 — Pray Two Rak’ah
Any non-obligatory (nafl) prayer.
Step 3 — Recite the Istikhara Dua
Recite it after the prayer — before or after salam, both are acceptable.
Step 4 — Place Your Trust in Allah
Do not expect magical signs.
Step 5 — Follow the Ease
If one choice becomes easier, smoother, or more peaceful — that is your answer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting only for dreams
- Asking random people to do Istikhara for you
- Ignoring your responsibility to think wisely
- Expecting instant results
How Allah Answers Istikhara
Allah answers in various ways:
✔ Through clarity of heart
✔ Through ease or difficulty in the path
✔ Through doors opening — or closing
✔ Through what eventually unfolds
Not seeing a dream does not mean Istikhara is unanswered.
Istikhara FAQs
Do I need to see a dream?
No. Istikhara is not dream-based.
Can I read from my phone?
Yes.
Can someone else do Istikhara for me?
They may make dua for you, but the Sunnah is you pray it yourself.
How long should I wait?
There is no set time — follow the ease.
Can I repeat Istikhara?
Yes, you may repeat for 2–7 days if needed.
How do I know Istikhara is working?
You’ll notice ease in one option, clarity in your heart, or natural doors opening or closing. You don’t need dreams—Allah guides you through ease.
Is Istikhara good for marriage?
Yes. Istikhara is highly recommended for marriage because it helps you choose what is best for your faith, future, and overall well-being.
Common Myths About Istikhara
❌ “You must see a dream.”
❌ “You get an instant sign.”
❌ “Only scholars can perform it.”
❌ “You must feel something special during prayer.”
Tips for a Powerful Istikhara
- Pray with sincerity
- Avoid sin
- Keep your heart neutral
- Ask Allah for clarity
- Be open to outcomes you didn’t expect
Conclusion
Istikhara is one of the greatest gifts Allah has given to believers — a way to turn confusion into clarity, anxiety into peace, and uncertainty into trust. Whenever you face an important decision, remember that Allah knows what you do not, and His choice is always best.
To read more Islamic articles and duas, visit
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